FAQ

What is a Chamber ribbon cutting?

A ribbon cutting event is the ceremonial opening of a brand-new or newly-renovated/relocated business or a business that is new to the Chamber of Commerce. It can inaugurate an organization’s first day of business or it can take place weeks after the business’ soft opening.

Ribbon cutting events mark a very significant moment for a business and and a commemorative photo of the event makes for a great keepsake. All new Chamber Members will also have their photo in the Valley Courier!

After Cutting the Ribbon, the business owner or manager will have a chance to say a few words to those gathered. Business owners have used this time to publicly thank their financial backers, their employees, their friends and family, and/or their business partners. This is also a great opportunity to talk about what services or products are offered by their business!

***You must be a new or current Chamber member in good standing (including dues paid) to host a Ribbon Cutting Event. Ribbon Cutting events are FREE and are a benefit of your membership.

Who qualifies for a ribbon cutting?

You are eligible for a Ribbon Cutting Event if your business./organization has:

Opened its doors within the past six months
Moved to a new location
Has been remodeled or has expanded its current location
Is celebrating a milestone anniversary (1 year; 5 years; 10 years; 25 years; etc.)
New ownership or management/other significant major change
Groundbreaking (golden shovels!)

What are the benefits of holding a Chamber ribbon cutting?

By hosting a ribbon cutting, you can:

Introduce both the public and Chamber members to your business
Have your ribbon cutting on the Chamber’s Community Calendar, social media pages, and via our Weekly E-newsletter
Familiarize the public and Chamber members with your product/services, location, and other important information
Access a new customer base
Generate leads, sales and great networking connections from attendees
Publish a photo of your ribbon cutting in the Chamber’s newsletter and social media with a combined distribution list of ~4,000 and growing!
If you are a NEW member business, your photo will also be published in the Valley Courier!
Have the ability to host an official milestone ceremony to commemorate the occasion with a keepsake photo.

Is the ribbon cutting my business’ event or a Chamber event?

This is YOUR event. The Chamber will gladly assist you with the following:

Notify the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Ambassadors Committee members of your ribbon cutting, encouraging their attendance
Invite local officials on your behalf
Promote your event to our network
Provide a list of Chamber member caterers (upon request)
Provide contact list of local media outlets (upon request)
Bring the “BIG scissors” and ribbon
Take pictures at the event and publish a photo in our newsletter

What Should we do for the event?

To make your event successful, carefully consider the following:

Schedule your event two-three weeks in advance. Also, we ask you to please take a moment to cross-check your preferred date and time of celebration with the Alamosa Chamber’s events calendar to prevent scheduling conflicts with Chamber events.
Determine where you’d like your photo to be and who will be in the photo(s). Photos might include employees, family, Chamber members, business partners, and Ambassadors for example.
Your remarks or speech. This is usually done when everyone is gathered before cutting the ribbon. This can be a quick thank you or a few minutes long.
Invite everyone you know! Invite your family, friends, past, current and potential customers, business associates (including your accountant, banker, and property owner,) suppliers, your employees, the media, neighboring businesses, and government officials.
Consider having giveaways, especially logo items that guests can take back to their offices. The Chamber is happy to provide you with members who can help you create gifts.
Food and beverage is not required, but for open house events, it makes a nice touch. The Chamber is happy to provide you with members who can help you with catering.

Other details to enhance your event

There are lots of great websites that provide tips on planning and executing a great event. Google “ribbon cutting ceremonies” for the top sites, examples, and ideas!

Note: The Chamber cannot predict or guarantee the number of guests in attendance. The more advance notice, the better! Two-three weeks is preferred and events are scheduled based upon availability. No more than two ribbon cuttings will be conducted in the same day.

Contact us at 719-589-3681 or email AlamosaCountyChamber@gmail.com to schedule yours today!